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E02061: The Martyrdom of *Cassianus (teacher and martyr of Imola, S00309) is written in Latin, presumably in Imola (northern Italy) between the 5th and the 8th c. It is a paraphrase in prose of the story about Cassianus narrated by Prudentius (Crowns of Martyrdom 9; E00938), intended to make it more widely known.
online resource
posted on 2016-12-01, 00:00 authored by mpignotMartyrdom of Cassianus (BHL 1626)
Summary:
It is known that Prudentius wrote about martyrs and in particular about the blessed martyr Cassianus (Casianus beatus martyr). This is now rendered in simpler words so that it may be known to all the faithful. Prudentius gives trustworthy authority to the martyrdom of Cassianus that we celebrate, following tradition (traditio). Prudentius says that as he was travelling to Rome, he prayed at the tomb (tumulus) of saint Cassianus (sanctus Casianus) at Forum Cornelium (Imola), and looking at the sky he saw the martyr with a thousand wounds, his skin broken with cuts, surrounded by boys piercing his body with styluses. He was amazed and the custodian told him that what he saw was no fable, but the story, preserved in books, bearing the truth of old times.
The schoolmaster was a teacher of letters to boys but they were angered, since it is known that childhood is rough (dura). This happens at the time of persecutions against the catholic faith (catholica fides): Cassianus is summoned because he refuses to adore pagan altars. He is interrogated and says that he teaches young boys. It is decided that the boys, who had to endure the harsh teacher, will now be free to punish him. He is stripped of his garments, his hands are bound behind his back, and he is surrounded by the boys, armed with styluses, now free to respond with their anger to the suffering endured. They throw tablets (tabulae) and boxes (bursae) at his face and head, and cut and stab the confessor of Christ (confessor Christi) with their styluses. The tortures are particularly painful and long, as some children are only able to wound him superficially; the confessor begs them to be strong so that he may die more quickly. However the boys tell him that he gave them their weapons and that they will use them to punish him. Finally the Lord pities him and he dies. The most blessed martyr Cassianus died the day of the Ides of August [= 13 August].
Text: Mombritius 1910, I, 280. Summary: M. Pignot.
Summary:
It is known that Prudentius wrote about martyrs and in particular about the blessed martyr Cassianus (Casianus beatus martyr). This is now rendered in simpler words so that it may be known to all the faithful. Prudentius gives trustworthy authority to the martyrdom of Cassianus that we celebrate, following tradition (traditio). Prudentius says that as he was travelling to Rome, he prayed at the tomb (tumulus) of saint Cassianus (sanctus Casianus) at Forum Cornelium (Imola), and looking at the sky he saw the martyr with a thousand wounds, his skin broken with cuts, surrounded by boys piercing his body with styluses. He was amazed and the custodian told him that what he saw was no fable, but the story, preserved in books, bearing the truth of old times.
The schoolmaster was a teacher of letters to boys but they were angered, since it is known that childhood is rough (dura). This happens at the time of persecutions against the catholic faith (catholica fides): Cassianus is summoned because he refuses to adore pagan altars. He is interrogated and says that he teaches young boys. It is decided that the boys, who had to endure the harsh teacher, will now be free to punish him. He is stripped of his garments, his hands are bound behind his back, and he is surrounded by the boys, armed with styluses, now free to respond with their anger to the suffering endured. They throw tablets (tabulae) and boxes (bursae) at his face and head, and cut and stab the confessor of Christ (confessor Christi) with their styluses. The tortures are particularly painful and long, as some children are only able to wound him superficially; the confessor begs them to be strong so that he may die more quickly. However the boys tell him that he gave them their weapons and that they will use them to punish him. Finally the Lord pities him and he dies. The most blessed martyr Cassianus died the day of the Ides of August [= 13 August].
Text: Mombritius 1910, I, 280. Summary: M. Pignot.
History
Evidence ID
E02061Saint Name
Cassian, bishop of Brescia (Italy), teacher and martyr of Imola, ob. 361/363 : S00309Saint Name in Source
CasianusRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Hagiographical - Accounts of martyrdomLanguage
- Latin
Evidence not before
400Evidence not after
735Activity not before
50Activity not after
735Place of Evidence - Region
Italy north of Rome with Corsica and SardiniaPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
ImolaPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Imola Sardinia Sardinia Sardegna SardiniaCult activities - Festivals
- Saint’s feast
